Derick Hougaard’s mom shares latest news: ‘Pray for his mind’

While Derick Hougaard recovers from an illness that landed him in ICU for almost three weeks, his mother, Riana, is sharing an update with fans.

Last month, the former Springboks player made headlines after he was hospitalised after a lung infection. He has since been discharged.

DERICK HOUGAARD MOM SHARES MESSAGE

According to Facebook updates from the retired rugby player’s partner Nadine, Derick Hougaard is now home and ready to begin his next stage of recovery. This follows the former Springbok star spending almost three weeks in the Steve Biko Academic Hospital ICU.

But while his family has hailed his “miraculous” turnaround, they also appeal for prayers and public support.

ALSO READ: Did it for Derick! Springboks honour ‘Liefling van Loftus’

In a Facebook post, Derick’s mom, Riana reposted a video of Afrikaans singer Chris Else who had dedicated a song to the ailing athlete.

She shared: “God’s grace is great. So much power in prayer. Thank you again for your prayers and care, and love in this difficult time.

Riana hinted that both Derick’s body and mind needed to heal. She continued: “Please continue to pray for full recovery, strength, and for his mind. God carries us every day”.

ALSO READ: Derick Hougaard’s emotional mom: ‘My heart is full’

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

On Saturday, 10 June, Derick was found unresponsive in his Pretoria home.

According to Nadine, her partner had been found “suffocating.” He was rushed to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where he remained in a coma until last week when he awakened.

ALSO READ: Derick Hougaard discharged: Frail, thin, and on oxygen machine

Derick was diagnosed with aspirational pneumonia; an infection doctors claim occurs when saliva, food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled or infiltrated into the lungs.

As a result, Derick suffered a collapsed left lung and a partial collapse of his right lung. Nadine added that Derick also experienced blood clots in his left arm and a lack of circulation in his left arm. Derick was then medically treated with two sets of antibiotics. He underwent two bronchoscopies and was prone – to treatment to help relieve respiratory distress.

But questions remain over how Derick ended up in this predicament.

ALSO READ: Clots, collapsed lungs: Derick Hougaard’s hellish hospital stay

According to social media posts, Derick’s close friend Louis Liebenberg,  a mysterious bottle of liquid – presumed to be a cough mixture – was found in his possession. Liebenberg hinted that Derick had possibly been poisoned or had overdosed.

Speaking to Jacaranda’s Martin Bester, Nadine claims no alcohol or drugs were found in Derick’s system. She also claimed that Derick was not suicidal and did not overdose.

ALSO READ: ‘No drugs, alcohol’: Nadine slams Derick Hougaard fight, overdose

The bottle of medication has since been sent to laboratories for testing.